XII. He alighteth and maketh his horse fast to a ring of silver that was on from his hand. to be better and more ancient than all the others. He bideth awhile "Sir, needs must you cut me off my head with this axe, for of this The knights and ladies swoon over him as he departeth. Lancelot hath "Sir," saith he to the knight, "What is your pleasure?" before it and heareth within how knights and ladies are making great and on his head had he a great cap of gold, and he held great axe. The the mounting-stage, and putteth his shield from his neck and his spear Thereupon, lo you, the knight that cometh down into the midst of the hall, clad in a short red jerkin; and he was girt with a rich girdle of dole. And they say to a knight: "Ha, God, sore grief and pity is this off your own therewith." knight was of great comeliness and young of age. Lancelot seeth him gold, and had a rich clasp at his neck wherein were many rich stones, churches all lying waste, and the markets and exchanges all empty. He And the knight saith to him, "Sir, alight!" coming, and looketh upon him right fainly when he seeth him appear. he see. "Certes," saith Lancelot, "Willingly." of you, that you must needs die in such manner, and that your death may not be respited! Sore hatred ought we to bear toward him that hath heard all this and much marvelleth he thereof, but nought thereof may weapon hath my death been adjudged, but and you will not, I will cut adjudged you such a death." rideth amidst the streets, and findeth a great palace that seemeth him